Explore the beautiful land of Athens

Quick Information

Best time to visit

Mar - May, Sep - Nov

Ideal Duration

5-6 Days

Visa

On Arrival

Starting from

Rs. 22,999

Romantic

Ideal for friends

Nature

About Temples Guide In Athens

Most of the tourism in Athens revolves around the various ancient temples that stand on the ground of the Greek capital. The temples of Athens are from around 7th to 4th century BCE, built by the Athenian Empire. Though they have been reduced to mere remnants now, with the very little left of its actual grandeur – it is still enough to mesmerize an onlooker with the very first glimpse.

There are many such temples scattered all around Greece. But Athens being the capital city then and now, it has its big share of temples and similar historic sites. Here are some of them that one must visit on their Athens trip.

1. Parthenon, Acropolis

Parthenon of Athens is the central figure of the metropolis. It looms over from its resident hilltop and stands sentinel to the city of Athens. Undeniably the most popular historical site in entire Greece, the Parthenon in Athens was constructed in 447 BC to house a statue of the city’s patron goddess Athena. Over the years it has been used as a war fortress, a mosque and even a Christian church, which is quite something given that the temple had its roots in pre-organized religion era, nature-based theism. Nevertheless, the Parthenon in Athens, Greece should be the first name on the itinerary of temple-visit.

2. Temple of Hephaestus

Temple of Hephaestus in Athens was dedicated to the god of labor, metalworking, and fire – Hephaestus. Made of white marbles from Mount Penteli, this temple is easy to include in the tour as it stands near the ancient Agora of Athens. From its tall edifice, it is hard to interpret that it is standing here since the 5th century BC. But that is when Ictinus, the architect, who was also a co-builder of the Parthenon, built the temple.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Olympieion or the temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is the largest temple that stands in Greece. The size of this temple does justice to the deity for whom it was built. Zeus, according to the Greek pantheon, is not only the God of Thunder but also the King of all Gods. It took 640 long years to complete its construction. Before reaching the temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, Greece, one can see the rest of the surrounding archaeological site – Hadrian’s gate. Zeus is the greatest of the Greek gods, and a visit to the temple meant for him is mandatory for a tourist.

4. The Erechtheion

The Erechtheion or Erechtheum, built sometime between 421 BC and 407 BC, is an Ionic style temple. The temple was dedicated to the mythical king and leader Erechtheus – the founder of the polis. He was fused with the sea god Poseidon in his role as a celestial, and along with him, the protector form of the patron goddess, Athena Polias was also worshipped. The six columns with sculpted female figures on the south porch are the temple’s most dominant feature.

5. Temple of Apollo Patroos

Temple of Apollo Patroos in Athens is much smaller than its other counterparts and is dedicated to the founder god of Ionian race and protector of families – Apollo. The shrine is located near the north-west corner of the ancient Agora of Athens and was built in 340-320 BC.